Ashoka
Saraca indica

Ashoka (Saraca asoca): ‘Ashoka’ translates as ‘sorrowless’, and the plant has ancient medicinal, cultural, and folkloric respect across India and Sri Lanka for removing suffering and sorrow.

The Lord Buddha was born under the Ashoka tree and Lord Ram’s wife Sita was held captive in a Ashoka grove in Sri Lanka.

Ashoka is a medium-sized evergreen which grows across India. It is similar to a mango tree, with blood-red bark. It is extremely astringent and said to have a cold, light, and dry energy. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda as a women’s tonic to soothe and clear excessive ama toxins and kapha fluid retention.